The Role of Salt in the Process of Pickling

Pickling is defined as the process of preserving food through a brine or immersion. Typically, vinegar and salt are key ingredients in pickling solutions, along with other herbs or spices to add layers of flavor. It’s important to remember that not all salt is created equal — which is why True Salt Co. recommends their pure sea salt when pickling produce at home. Here, True Salt shares tips on how to pickle foods.

While pickles and olives are seemingly the most common “pickled” food on any grocery store shelf or in the refrigerated section, there is nearly no end to the variety of produce that can be pickled. Think carrots, asparagus, cauliflower, jalapenos as well as more out-of-the box items such as pickled pigs feet (common in the South); kimchi, which originates from Korea but has gained popularity in the states, and even pickled herring in some parts of the world.

Back to the basics — salt and vinegar.

There are actually several ways to pickle foods. One is through soaking the food in vinegar. The other process involves soaking the food in a salt brine that involves fermentation. They can of course, be used in tandem as well.

A basic pickling solution which makes six cups includes:

• 3 cups distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or vinegar of choice

• 3 cups water

• 1 – 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. True Salt Sea Salt

1. Combine the ingredients in a large pot,

2. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.

3. Let boil for two minutes after that, then remove from heat.

Vegetables can be freshly chopped and put into jars with seasonings. Then pour the solution into each of the jars, allowing at least a half-inch of space from the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or more.

Pickling can not only serve to preserve foods, but it adds a whole new level or flavor, it changes the texture and it opens the door for a whole new way to use the food and combine it with other foods to create new flavor profiles. True Salt encourages pickling novices to get in the game and give it a try! It’s super-easy and really elevates the taste of many foods while also allowing an element of creativity as the use of herbs and spices is that the “pickler’s” discretion.